Cycling Paradise of Provence - to and from Avignon

An adventure in alluring Avignon and picturesque Provence

Provence is a truly blissful region bursting with alluring aromas, from the intense spice of the Châteauneuf du Pape wines and the warm fragrances of sun-blessed olive skins, to the waves of herbal fragrances emanating from the thyme and rosemary fields blanketing the hills. Cycling in Provence is truly an experience for every sense - this bike tour will satisfy them all!

Beginning and ending in attractive Avignon, this itinerary is designed in the true spirit of slow holidaying, allowing you to stop as frequently as you fancy to soak in the splendor of the fabulous French countryside. In addition to scenic loop rides, your itinerary features rest days so you're always cycling in comfort. These days, as well as stops along the tour routes, allow you ample time to sample the sumptuous provencal food and luxurious wines, mingle with the locals at marvellous market stalls, and explore the kind of bike routes that make for an unbeatable French cycling trip.

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Highlights

• Scenic villages of Gordes, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Les Baux-de-Provence & Roussillon
• Luberon mountain range
• World-renowned cuisine
• Châteauneuf du Pape wine
• Avignon, a medieval treasure
• L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
• Optional extension to Arles

Learn More

Learn more about self-guided tours.

Interested in adding to your itinerary? Take a look at our cycling day tours in Provence and Luberon.

Daily program

Day 1: Arrival in Avignon
Welcome to Avignon! There will be a welcome meeting either today or tomorrow where you'll receive detailed information on your tour and a personalized bike fitting.

The history of Avignon predates the Romans, but it was Catholicism that put it on the map. In 1309, an elected French pope transformed vast areas of Avignon into public squares, constructed an enormous papal palace, and completed three miles of protective walls complete with impressive towers. If you arrive early enough today, be sure to visit the hilltop park to enjoy the best views of the city. You might also like to tour the immense papal palace, stroll through the trendy traffic-free shopping district, and soak up the atmosphere in the charming, shady squares.

Day 2: Avignon - Chateauneuf du Pape - St. Laurent des Arbres - Avignon (42 mi/68km, elevation gain/loss 310m)
Heading north out of Avignon, catch your first glimpse of the glorious Provence countryside, replete with verdant orchands and gorgeous farmhouses. You'll soon arrive in the famous Côtes-du-Rhone wine-making village of Châteuneuf du Pape where you can enjoy a wine tasting (not included in tour price). Loop back through the captivating countryside for your second evening in Avignon.

Day 3: Avignon to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, optional loop to Venasque (12 or 25 mi/20 or 40km, elevation gain/loss 110m or 650m)
Leaving the city, you'll reach Jonquerettes after a gentle uphill. Heading back down into the valley, arrive in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, an 'island city' that's really a compact medieval town, well known for its intiguing art galleries and antique shops. It's a truly lovely place to stroll around and explore, perhaps enjoying lunch on the grass by the charming quay.

For those wanting to pedal further, you can continue cycling to reach Pernes-les-Fontaines. As the name suggests, this wonderful village is home to over 40 ancient fountains! You'll then ride on small country roads to Venasque, one of France's most beautiful medieval towns perched on a steep cliff. Its 12th-century church and three Saracen towers offer a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Ride back to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, your home for the next two nights.

Day 4: Isle sur la Sorgue - Gordes - Roussillon - Isle sur la Sorgue (38 mi/61km, elevation gain/loss 575m)
Today you're in for a real treat! You'll cycle from one gorgeous settlement to the next, with two of these medieval towns considered amongst the most beautiful in France: Gordes and Roussillon. They're a wonderful reward after the effort of the uphill climbs.

Choose from two different options to top off your day. The easier option brings you back to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on a dedicated bike path, a former railway line converted into a quality bike lane. The more difficult option takes you to more hilltop villages like Lacoste and Oppède le Vieux before returning you to Isle.

Day 5: Isle sur la Sorgue - Eygalières - St. Rémy de Provence (23 mi/37km, elevation gain/loss 200m)
Scenic roads lined with pear and apple orchards accompany you as you head toward Cavaillon. You may experience a bit of traffic, but shortly after crossing the Durance River, the deserted country roads return and you'll again pass through tiny villages until you reach Eygalières. Eygalières has preserved its authentic charm with beautiful stone houses, almost always framed with a touch of green or sweet-smelling flowers. Continuing on a somewhat rocky path, right below the impressive limestone ridge of the Alpilles, you have a chance to stop at a family-run wine estate for a tasting (not included). Today's destination is St. Rémy.

Day 6: St. Rémy - Fontvieille - Les Baux-de-Provence - St Rémy (26 mi/42km, elevation gain/loss 400m)
Today you can relax and enjoy the lovely town of St. Rémy. Alternatively, challenge yourself with a ride to Les Baux-de-Provence!

If staying in St. Rémy, you'll find an abundance of chic restaurants, private Renaissance mansions, beautifully restored homes, and charming chapels and convents to feast your eyes on. One of St. Rémy's claims to fame is the fact that Van Gogh spent the last year of his life committed in the psychiatric institution at the Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole.

For those riding to Les Baux-de-Provence, you're in for an exciting day of riding along the winding streets of the Alpilles mountains. Pine tree landscapes and fields of wildflowers accompany you as you reach Les Baux-de-Provence. This town has an incredibly beautiful citadel that towers over the surrounding countryside, as well as quaint chapels, a museum, and plenty of history. Here, you'll have the chance to sample a few of the high quality red and rosé wines that this area is known for, before returning to St. Remy.

Optional extension to Arles! See below.

Day 7: Return to Avignon
The tour ends after breakfast when you'll be taken back to Avignon.

Don't want the adventure to end? Consider the optional extension to Arles or even a cycling day tour in Provence or Luberon.

Extension to Arles

Day 7: St. Rémy - Les Baux-de-Provence - Maussane - Arles (31 mi/50 km, elevation gain/loss +250m/-300m)
Today you'll pedal in the gorgeous Alpilles Mountains, first passing the incredible Romanesque Chapel of St. Gabriel, which dates back to the 12th century. Soon, you'll begin the climb to Les Beaux, a 4 km uphill stretch to reach this lovely clifftop village. The spectacular view and exhilarating downhill make the climb well worth the effort! You'll head back towards the plains, passing the ruins of a 2000-year-old aqueduct before reaching Arles and its Roman coliseum.

Day 8: Return to Avignon
The tour ends after breakfast when you'll be taken back to Avignon.

Surface and terrain

This bike tour features moderate but steady climbs. Ideally, participants should be in good physical condition and prepared to cycle an average of 30 miles per day. Electric bikes are available.

Hotels

Below is a sample hotel list based on availability. The final list is subject to change.

Hotel Central, Avignon
www.hotel-central-avignon.com

Hotel Cantosorgue, Isle sur la Sorgue
www.hotel-cantosorgue.com

Hotel Gounod, St Remy de Provence
www.hotel-gounod.com/

Hotel Du Forum, Arles
https://www.hotelduforum.com/

How to get there

Nearest airport: Paris CDG
Nearest train station: Avignon

Dates

Prices

Included services

• 6 x nights in 2*/3* hotels, double occupancy
• 6 x breakfasts
• Welcome meeting on day 1 or 2 in Avignon (either virtual or in-person)
• Luggage transfer between hotels
• GPX files
• Transfer to Avignon on day 7
• Emergency telephone support
• Road Book with detailed cycling itineraries and integrated maps

Also included with extension to Arles

• 1 x night in 3-star hotel
• GPX files
• Transfer to Avignon on day 8

Bike rentals

The bikes available for rent:

• 27-speed standard hybrid bike, Trek (or equivalent) with UNISEX frames
• 11-speed upgraded hybrid bike, Cannondale C3 Alloy (or equivalent) with UNISEX frames
• 22-speed carbon road bike, Cannondale Synapse 105 (or equivalent)*
• Electrically-assisted bike, SCOTT (or equivalent)**

*Flat pedals are provided. You may bring your own clip-in pedals, shoes, and tools to replace them. 

**You are required to supply a credit card which will be pre-authorized for €800 which is used as a guarantee until the return of the bike.
More about electrically-assisted bikes >

Bike rental includes:

• Helmet
• Security vest
• Pump
• Tool kit with spare tube
• Bike computer
• Pannier

Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.